The prevailing line constantly echoed in the national media regarding the mood of voters in the 2010 election is “throw 'em all out.''

When it comes to the North Carolina House of Representatives, our recommendation would best be summed up as “keep 'em all in.''

Here's why.

It's no secret we're in tough times. Families are struggling to make ends meet, and many are on the edge of the economic precipice, if not already over the edge. In Raleigh, the option of taking easy, popular choices is a thing of the past. Yet, while we don't agree with all the decisions coming out of the General Assembly, we feel our delegation has been a significant part of responsible decision-making that has helped keep the very fabric of society from ripping apart. We particularly appreciate efforts by the legislators to defend onerous cuts to education during the budget crisis.

More difficult decisions lie ahead, and we need the most experienced hands on deck.

Additionally, a host of seasoned legislators from WNC are in significant leadership positions on important committees in the House. The delegation has also exhibited the ability to pull together across party lines when it comes to defending the interests of the mountains. It wasn't very long ago when it was easy to feel that leadership in Raleigh thought the state ended at Hickory. Today, that is no longer the case.

The Citizen-Times editorial board was able to interview a significant number of the candidates, receiving statements we've run in the newspaper, and taped their comments, which are available for perusal at CITIZEN-TIMES.com/election. Other candidates and races were the focus of board research.

Some continuity in the delegation is guaranteed; Republican David Guice has no challenger in District 113 and GOP Rep. Phillip Frye, who has gained our endorsement in prior races, has no opposition in District 84.

In District 117, another Republican, Carolyn Justus, is stepping down after capably serving since 2002 in the seat she was appointed to fill upon the death of her late husband, Larry T. Justus. The seat will be filled by Republican Charles McGrady, who faces no opposition on the Nov. 2 ballot.

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To the west and east of Buncombe in the 120th and 85th districts, the board favors the return of long-serving Republican Reps. Roger West and Mitch Gillespie over challengers Randy Hogsed and Beth Ostgaard.

District 119 features a rematch of six-term Democratic Rep. Phil Haire and challenger Dodie Allen. The board again recommends Haire, in no small part for his excellent work in appropriations. In District 118, Democratic Rep. Ray Rapp, a tireless proponent of sensible steep slope regulations, gets the nod as he seeks a fifth term in his race against challenger Sam Edwards.

Buncombe's 116th House District features another rematch, pitting Democratic incumbent Jane Whilden against GOP hopeful Tim Moffitt, while the 114th District features veteran Rep. Susan Fisher against John Carroll. The board goes with experience, and backs Whilden and Fisher.

District 115 will have a new representative in Raleigh, with Democratic hopeful Patsy Keever defeating incumbent Bruce Goforth in the May primary. Keever faces Republican Mark Crawford. The county will send a seasoned politician to Raleigh regardless of the outcome, as Crawford served previously in the House by appointment, a distinction Keever currently carries as she was named to fill in after Goforth stepped down. Keever's three terms on the Buncombe County commission give her the nod.